Truth-and-Justice-Organization-Criticizes-Ohanaeze's-Stance-on-Obasanjo's-Call-for-INEC-Chairman's-Removal


Truth and Justice Organization Criticizes Ohanaeze's Stance on Obasanjo's Call for INEC Chairman's Removal

By Wisdom Tide

November 19, 2024



The Truth and Justice Organization Nationwide has strongly condemned the Ohanaeze Ndigbo for its criticism of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's recent call for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

In a press statement issued by the organization's National Coordinator, Comrade Ejikeme Madison, the group accused Ohanaeze of hypocrisy and a lack of genuine commitment to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

Obasanjo’s Controversial Remarks

During his speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, USA, Obasanjo labeled Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the "worst INEC Chairman in Nigeria’s history" and called for his immediate removal. Obasanjo argued that under Yakubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s electoral processes have suffered setbacks, undermining public trust.

Ohanaeze’s Criticism of Obasanjo

Responding to Obasanjo’s remarks, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo released a statement labeling his call as “ill-advised” and “politically motivated.” The Igbo socio-cultural group defended Yakubu's tenure, citing the introduction of technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing portal (IREV) as evidence of progress in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Ohanaeze further argued that Obasanjo’s own record in electoral administration, particularly during the 2003 and 2007 elections, disqualified him from making such accusations. The group described those elections as the most flawed in the nation’s history.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze, stated, “It is fundamentally premature and ill-timed for anyone to call for the sack of Professor Mahmood Yakubu while he is still in office, especially in light of the fact that his tenure is set to conclude in 2025.”

Truth and Justice Organization Counters Ohanaeze

The Truth and Justice Organization, however, dismissed Ohanaeze’s arguments as baseless and an insult to the legacy of Olusegun Obasanjo. According to Comrade Madison, Ohanaeze’s defense of Yakubu reflects a lack of courage to confront Nigeria’s pressing electoral challenges.

“Rather than addressing the substantive issues raised by Chief Obasanjo, the Ohanaeze leadership has chosen to engage in a baseless attack on a respected elder statesman,” Madison said. “This betrayal of justice and truth reveals their hypocrisy and unwillingness to hold INEC accountable.”

The Case Against INEC Under Yakubu

The organization echoed Obasanjo’s concerns, asserting that Yakubu's leadership has been marked by inconsistencies and allegations of bias that have eroded public confidence. Madison cited recent elections as examples of INEC’s inability to deliver credible results despite advancements in electoral technology.

“While the introduction of BVAS and IREV is commendable, their implementation has been marred by irregularities,” Madison argued. “Progress is not just about innovation but about integrity in execution. INEC under Yakubu has failed to meet this standard.”

Call for Responsible Leadership

The Truth and Justice Organization concluded by urging Ohanaeze to adopt a more constructive approach in addressing Nigeria’s electoral issues.

“It is not enough to defend an institution blindly; leaders must prioritize the interests of Nigerians over political expediency,” Madison stated. “Chief Obasanjo’s concerns should prompt a broader dialogue about the future of INEC and the need for accountability.”

The organization reaffirmed its support for Obasanjo’s call, emphasizing that reforming Nigeria’s electoral process is essential to sustaining its democracy

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